Management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis: a study of the primary care perspective.

Objectives: Examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of primary care clinicians regarding the management of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (OA).

Design: Case vignette-based survey.

Methods: A survey was distributed to 251 physicians, physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) in the primary care setting. The survey assessed practice patterns in the management of patients with mild-to-moderate OA, as well as attitudes toward guidelines and future educational topics that may be of benefit to the clinician.

Results: We found that primary care clinicians are most likely to treat mild-to-moderate OA with an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimen. Patients with initial or recurrent OA were "very likely" to be recommended to a physical therapy maintenance program. Two-thirds of respondents claimed to be unfamiliar with Osteoarthritis Research Society International guidelines for OA management.

Conclusion: This study reflects the need for further education for primary care physicians, NPs, and PAs on the management of OA.